Who's leading the style stakes at the Melbourne Cup?

The race is only hours away and while the horses and their jockey’s get ready, some of the Melbourne Cup’s high-profile guests have started to arrive.

Thousands of people are expected to flood through the gates today and while they call it ‘the race that stops the nation’ it’s the fashion that often causes the biggest stir and this year is no different!

Julie Bishop, Gina Rinehart, Bec Hewitt Jennifer Hawkins and last year’s winner Michelle Payne have all put on a stunning display in eye-catching outfits, with the men looking dapper in their suits.

While everyone looks spectacular, it’s Gina Rinehart who is garnering the most attention this year, showing off her newly slimmed down frame in an all-white get up.

Gina arrived with Olympic gold medallist Mack Horton as her date for the day, with the young swimmer looking sharp in a grey suit and pink shirt.

She was spotted chatting to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop who also looked lovely in her detailed black hat and fitted dress with specks of colour throughout.

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It seems like the who’s who of Australian entertainment also turned up for the day with Molly Meldrum, Samantha Armytage, Jennifer Hawkins and Bec and Lleyton Hewitt also making an appearance – and of course there is plenty of crazy fashion on display too!

Michelle Payne looked stunning in a lovely pink dress with matching headpiece and heels. She’ll be changing into her jockey gear soon as she gets ready to ride once again following her historic victory last year.